Monitoring of cleaning process

ABSTRACT

A method for monitoring a cleaning process for a soiled medical device. The method involves cleaning the soiled device with a cleaning liquid in a cleaning chamber, exposing a detector to the cleaning liquid to measure the amount of soil removed, determining whether a sufficient amount of the soil has been removed from the soiled device so that the soiled device can be sterilized, and sterilizing the soiled device. One method of determining the amount of soil is by detecting the signal generated from the reaction between a chemical and the soil. Another method is to provide a soiled standard and measure the amount of soil removed from the soiled standard to determine whether enough soil has been removed from the soiled standard so that the soiled device can be sterilized. Another method involves measuring the amount of soil removed from the soiled device with at least two detectors.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of prior application Ser. No.09/075,714, filed on May 11, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,111, whichclaims the benefits of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/049,351,entitled “DETECTION OF CLEANLINESS OF A MEDICAL DEVICE DURING A WASHINGPROCESS”, filed on Jun. 11, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for monitoringcleaning processes for medical devices. More particularly, thisinvention relates to an apparatus and method capable of determining whenthe device is sufficiently cleaned so that the device can be sterilized.

2. Description of the Related Art

Adequate cleaning of contaminated medical instruments and devices isessential for safe disinfection and sterilization. Failure to adequatelyremove inorganic and organic soil derived from body liquids and tissuescan impede the effectiveness of subsequent sterilization proceduresresulting in infections. Additionally, remaining foreign materialsintroduced during subsequent invasive procedures can produce pyrogenicreactions that can impede healing.

It is preferable to use machine processes for cleaning which have beenvalidated for this purpose in a clinical setting and which preferablyaccomplish sterilization during or after the cleaning cycle. Theselected cleaning processes should produce satisfactory results undercertain test and field conditions as well as ensure that adequatecleaning is performed under exceptional circumstances and conditions.

It is not only necessary that a high level of cleaning performance beachieved, but also that the cleaning system be capable of adapting tothe specific needs of particular medical instruments and devices. Theideal cleaning system will be capable of adequately cleaning medicalinstruments and devices with long, narrow, inaccessible orifices such asthose found on flexible endoscopes as well as the inner surfaces oftake-apart, modular instruments. In the case of sophisticatedinstruments which may no longer be able to be taken apart in the future,adequate cleaning performance must also be achieved.

A variety of cleaning machines and related apparatus have been developedfor medical instruments and devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,295 to Peterson describes an ultrasonic cleaner andsurgical instrument carrying case, which is useable separately and apartfrom or in combination with the ultrasonic cleaner, the ultrasoniccleaner including within at least one sink and oscillatable cradle whichmay carry the instrument case during the ultrasonic cleaning process. Apump and filter are additionally provided as part of the ultrasoniccleaner to circulate a cleaning fluid within the sink of the ultrasoniccleaner and to remove particles and other matter from the fluid. ThePeterson '295 patent does not address standards or quality of cleaning.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,957,252 to Storz and assigned to Storz-Endoskop GmbHdiscloses an apparatus for cleaning medical instruments. The apparatusdisclosed in the '252 Storz patent pertains to support means providedfor mounting an ultrasonic oscillator for engaging washing water in aconventional sink, for use in cleaning medical instruments. The focus ofthe invention is to eliminate the need for an independent specialultrasonic cleaning tank.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,064,886 to Heckele and assigned to RiwoplanMedizin-Technische Einrichtungs-Gesellschaft GmbH discloses an apparatusfor cleaning endoscopes, comprising a holder device, a cylindricalcleaning container, time control means for placing the holder deviceunder timed control and a rotatable mounting for the holder device. Theobject of the invention is to enable fast and automatic cleansing andsterilization of endoscopes, which can be carried out without damagingthe endoscopes. Again, the invention does not address standards orquality of cleaning.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,233 to Hohmann et al. and assigned SiemensAktiengesellschaft discloses a method and apparatus for cleaning,disinfecting, and sterilizing medical instruments with a sequence ofmethod steps performed in a single apparatus. The invention discloses acomplicated method and apparatus. The method steps include precleaningthe instruments in a container containing a first fluid bath subjectedto ultrasonic energy for a period of time T1, subsequently emptying thefirst fluid bath from the container and replacing it with a second fluidbath containing a cleaning agent and sodium chloride, fine cleaning anddisinfecting the instruments by subjecting the second bath to ultrasonicenergy for a time period T2 and circulating the second bath through anelectrolytic cell having a voltage applied to the electrodes to createan electrolytic disassociation therein, then emptying the second bathand replacing it with a rinse bath, rinsing instruments for a timeperiod T3 by subjecting the rinsing bath to ultrasonic energy andcirculating the rinsing bath through the electrolytic cell subsequentlyemptying the rinse bath, and drying the instruments by means of heatedair. Thus, the Hohmann '233 invention is designed to provide adequatecleaning and sterilization of medical instruments, however, this isachieved with an expensive and complicated apparatus and method.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,186 to Childers, et al. and assigned to AmericanSterilizer Company discloses a method and apparatus for washing andsterilizing hospital or laboratory materials. The invention involvesloading a chamber with items to be washed, filling the chamber to apredetermined level with a washing fluid, controllably injecting a steamor an air-steam mixture into the chamber during the filling of a chamberwith the washing fluid, the steam being injected in a turbulent mannerto create a washing action and to begin heating the washing fluid, andcontinually injecting steam into the chamber after the chamber is filledto the predetermined level so as to subject the items to a washingaction. After the washing phase, the chamber is drained, the items arerinsed and the chamber is drained again. Sensors are employed to monitorthe operating parameters of the apparatus. Sensors are utilized forcontrolling the operation of the spray nozzles and the steam injectorssuch that steam is controllably injected into the chamber after acertain point during the filling of the chamber with the washing fluidto create a washing action and to begin heating the washing fluid.Again, this invention does not provide means to assure adequacy ofcleaning.

U.K. Patent Application No. 2,248,188 A to Parker, et al. and assignedto Keymed Ltd. discloses a method and apparatus for cleaning anddisinfecting medical instruments. The method and apparatus of theinvention are particularly suited for cleaning and disinfectingendoscopes. The method comprises the steps of placing an instrument inan enclosure and subjecting the instrument to a cleaning phase in whicha cleansing solution is applied to the surfaces of the instruments, adisinfection phase in which a disinfectant solution is applied to thesurfaces of the instrument, a rinsing phase in which a flushing solutionis applied to the surfaces of the instrument, a purging phase in which avolatile liquid is applied to the surfaces of the instruments and adrying phase in which a drying gas is passed over the surfaces of theinstrument. The cleaning phase is described as a period sufficient tothoroughly clean the endoscope both externally and internally. Again,the invention does not address means for assuring adequacy of cleaning.

None of the aforementioned apparatus and methods provide the means forassuring adequacy of cleaning of a medical device or instrument.Therefore, a need remains for an improved apparatus and method formonitoring cleaning processes for medical devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Before a detailed discussion of the present invention is given, itshould be mentioned that certain terms have been used in this disclosurein their broadest meaning. Thus, the term “sterilization” or “sterilize”as used herein also include the meaning of disinfection. Similarly, theterms “cleaning” and “cleaning liquid” as used herein also cover rinsingor a rinsing liquid.

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for monitoring acleaning process for a medical device, capable of determining when thedevice is sufficiently clean so that the device can be sterilized.

A soil detector is provided in the apparatus of the invention, which mayutilize a variety of detection technologies for monitoring cleaning,alone or in combination. Generally, the detection technology is selectedfrom the group consisting of ion-selective electrodes, conductivity,spectrophotometry, ion chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, highperformance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography, cyclicvoltammetry, radioactivity, quartz crystal microbalance and othergravimetric techniques, infra-red spectroscopy and other spectroscopictechniques.

The apparatus of the invention may employ detection technology whereinthe detection technology is suitable for detecting the presence of thesoil on a surface of a medical device. The detection technology which issuitable for detecting the presence of soil on a surface of a medicaldevice may operate without contacting the surface of the device.Alternatively, detection technology suitable for detecting the presenceof soil on the surface of a medical device may operate via directsurface contact. Alternatively, an indirect detection technology mayalso be employed. This approach employs the same physical-chemicaldetection technologies previously mentioned for other approaches.However, the medical device itself is not monitored for the degree ofcleaning. Rather, a soil-deposited standard is inserted in the apparatusand monitored in place of the medical device itself. A correlationbetween the degree of cleaning of the soiled device to be cleaned andthe degree of cleaning of the soiled standard can be established, sothat when the standard is cleaned to certain degree the sufficientcleaning of the device to be cleaned is achieved.

Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, there is provided anapparatus for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical instrument.The apparatus comprises a cleaning chamber for receiving and cleaningthe instrument with a cleaning liquid. A soil detector is coupled to thecleaning chamber and adapted to provide an indication of the amount ofthe soil on the instrument. The soil detector is at least partiallyisolated from the chamber so that access to the detector by the cleaningliquid is controllable. The soil detector can be moveable, and by movingthe detector it can be made in or out of fluid communication with thechamber. The soil detector may comprise an electrode located in anenclosure, and the enclosure is so coupled to the chamber that thecleaning liquid has controllable access to the enclosure.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a methodfor cleaning and sterilizing a soiled medical device. The methodcomprises the steps of: a) providing a cleaning chamber for receivingthe soiled device; b) providing a soil detector coupled with thecleaning chamber; c) introducing a cleaning liquid into the cleaningchamber; d) cleaning the soiled device in the cleaning chamber; e)exposing the detector to the cleaning liquid so as to measure the amountof soil removed from the soiled device; f) determining that a sufficientamount of the soil has been removed from the soiled device so that thesoiled device can be sterilized; and g) sterilizing the soiled device.Preferably, the detector is at least partially obstructed from thecleaning liquid during step d). Exposing the detector to the cleaningliquid and obstructing the detector from the cleaning liquid can beachieved by moving the detector in and out of fluid communication withthe chamber, or by locating the detector in an enclosure so coupled tothe chamber that the cleaning liquid has controllable access to theenclosure.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided anapparatus for monitoring a cleaning process for a soiled medicalinstrument. The apparatus comprises a chamber for receiving and cleaningthe instrument. An enclosure is in controllable fluid communication withthe chamber. A chemical source is coupled to the enclosure for providinga chemical capable of reacting with the soil of the instrument togenerate a detectable signal in the enclosure. A detector for detectingthe signal is provided with the apparatus. The chemical can be selectedfrom Hg(SCN)₂, OPA(o-phthatic dialdehyde+Triol), Bromcresol purple(C₁₂H₁₆Br₂O₅S₉), biuret reagent, and Microprotein-PR. The apparatus mayfurther comprise a light source for sending a light beam through thecleaning liquid in the enclosure to the detector. The enclosure may beseparated from the chamber by a valve. The chamber has an inlet and anoutlet, and a second detector can be coupled to the inlet, and the firstdetector and the enclosure are coupled to the outlet.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a methodfor cleaning and sterilizing a soiled medical device. The methodcomprises the steps of: a) providing a cleaning chamber for receivingthe soiled device; b) providing a chemical source coupled to anenclosure in controllable fluid communication with the cleaning chamber,the source containing a chemical capable of reacting with the soil onthe device to generate a detectable signal; c) introducing a cleaningliquid into the cleaning chamber; d) cleaning the soiled device in thecleaning chamber; e) releasing the chemical from the source into theenclosure; f) detecting the signal generated through reaction betweenthe chemical and soil in the cleaning fluid to determine if a sufficientamount of soil has been removed form the device; and g) sterilizing thedevice. A portion of the cleaning fluid can be introduced into theenclosure before the chemical is released into the enclosure, and beforethe introduction of the portion of the cleaning liquid, the enclosurecan be separated from the cleaning chamber so that substantially thereis no fluid communication therebetween. The signal can be color orabsorption at certain wave length.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided anapparatus for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical instrument.The apparatus comprises a chamber for receiving and cleaning theinstrument. A standard containing a predetermined amount of soil ispositioned in the chamber or in controllable fluid communication withthe chamber. A detector adapted to provide an indication of the amountof the soil on the standard is coupled to the apparatus. The apparatusmay comprises a cleaning/rinsing system which is adjustable so as tochange relative cleaning efficiency in different locations of theapparatus. The standard can be positioned so that the instrument iscleaned more efficiently than the standard. The indication can be asignal such as concentration of the soil in a liquid used to clean thedevice, electrical potential of a liquid used to clean the device,conductivity, transparency to certain wave length, or color of a liquidused for the cleaning. Preferably, the standard may comprise a surfacecovered with the soil. An additional light source may be provided whichgenerates a light beam of a predetermined wave length which travelsthrough the standard and reaches the detector. The standard can beplaced in an enclosure in controllable fluid communication with thechamber. The enclosure can be provided with a chemical source capable ofcontrollably releasing a chemical to the enclosure, which chemicalreacts with the soil removed from or remained on the standard togenerate a detectable signal. The detector may comprise an electrodelocated in the enclosure.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a methodfor cleaning and sterilizing a soiled medical device. The methodcomprises the steps of: a) providing a chamber for receiving the soileddevice; b) providing a soiled standard coupled to the chamber; c)introducing a cleaning liquid into the chamber; d) cleaning the soileddevice and the soiled standard; e) measuring the amount of soil removedfrom the soiled standard; f) determining that a sufficient amount of thesoil has been removed from the soiled standard so that the soiled devicecan be sterilized; and g) sterilizing the soiled device. Preferably, thecleaning step comprises exposing the standard to a cleaning environmentas effective or less effective than that to which the soiled device isexposed, and the determining step comprises determining that the soiledstandard has been cleaned to a predetermined level. The soiled standardcan be more heavily soiled or more difficult to clean than the soileddevice. The method may further comprise measuring soil level of thecleaning liquid before the liquid is introduced into the chamber. Stepe) may comprise measuring an inorganic soil such as inorganicelectrolytes, alkaline and alkaline earth salts, inorganicmetal-containing compounds and other inorganic compounds present in thehuman body which may come in contact with a medical device, and/ormeasuring an organic soil such as proteins, glycoproteins, lipoproteins,mucous, amino acids, polysaccharides, sugars, lipids, glycolipids, otherorganic compounds present in the human body which may come in contactwith a medical device, microorganisms and viruses. The step of measuringthe amount of soil removed from the soiled device can be conducted bydetecting soil remained on the soiled standard or soil removed from thesoiled standard and contained in the cleaning liquid. Preferably, thesoiled standard is placed in an enclosure in controllable fluidcommunication with the chamber, so that by controlling the degree offluid communication between the chamber and the enclosure, the relativecleaning efficiency of the chamber and the enclosure can be adjusted.Step e) may comprise measuring the soil level of the cleaning liquid inthe enclosure.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided anapparatus for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical instrument.The apparatus comprises a cleaning chamber for receiving and cleaningthe instrument, and at least a first soil detector and a second soildetector adapted to provide an indication of the amount of soil removedfrom or remained on the instrument. The first and second soil detectorsare placeable in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber. Thefirst and the second soil detectors may be selected from ion-selectiveelectrodes, conductivity, spectrophotometry, ion chromatography,capillary electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography,liquid chromatography, radioactivity, gravimetry, infra-redspectroscopy, potentiometry and turbidimetry. One of the soil detectorsmay be adapted to detect inorganic soil, and the other to detect organicsoil. One detector can be located adjacent to an inlet of the cleaningchamber, and the other detector is located adjacent to an outlet of thecleaning chamber. The apparatus may further comprise a second chamber influid communication with the cleaning chamber, and one detector islocated in the second chamber, one in the cleaning chamber, so that themeasuring results from the two chambers can be compared and used todetermine the degree of cleaning.

In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided amethod for cleaning and sterilizing a soiled medical device. The methodcomprises the steps of: a) providing a cleaning chamber for receivingthe soiled device; b) introducing a cleaning liquid into the cleaningchamber; c) cleaning the soiled device in the cleaning chamber; d)measuring the amount of soil removed from the soiled device with atleast two detectors; e) determining that a sufficient amount of the soilhas been removed from the soiled device so that the soiled device can besterilized; and f) sterilizing the device. Step d) may comprisemeasuring soil level of the cleaning liquid with a first detector beforethe cleaning, and measuring the soil level of the cleaning liquid with asecond detector during or after cleaning. Step e) may comprise comparingthe soil level of the cleaning liquid measured by the first detectorwith the soil level of the cleaning liquid measured by the seconddetector. If the difference between the two soil levels is within apredetermined range, the sufficient amount of soil has been removed fromthe soiled device. Step d) may comprise measuring, with one detector, aninorganic soil such as inorganic electrolytes, alkaline and alkalineearth salts, inorganic metal-containing compounds and other inorganiccompounds present in the human body which may come in contact with amedical device, and measuring, with another detector, an organic soilsuch as proteins, glycoproteins, lipoproteins, mucous, amino acids,polysaccharides, sugars, lipids, glycolipids, other organic compoundspresent in the human body which may come in contact with a medicaldevice, microorganisms and viruses. The step of measuring the amount ofsoil removed from the soiled device may be conducted by detecting soilremained on the soiled device or soil removed from the soiled device andcontained in the cleaning liquid.

The apparatus of the present invention as discussed above may furthercomprise a vacuum pump connected to the chamber, so that the chamberalso functions as a vacuum chamber.

The apparatus of the present invention as discussed above may furthercomprises a sterilization system.

In the method according to the present invention, the sterilizing stepcan be conducted by a vapor phase procedure.

In the method according to the present invention, the cleaning liquidcan comprise a liquid sterilization agent, such that the cleaning stepand the sterilizing step are conducted simultaneously.

The method according to the present invention may further comprise avacuum drying step.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph of the sodium chloride release rate of sodium chlorideinoculated stainless steel blades in deionized water at roomtemperature.

FIG. 2 is a graph of the albumin and sodium chloride release rates ofalbumin-solution inoculated stainless steel blades in deionized water atroom temperature.

FIG. 3 is a graph of the sodium chloride and protein release rates ofRPMI tissue culture medium+10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) contaminatedstainless steel blades in deionized water at room temperature.

FIG. 4 is a graph of the sodium chloride and protein release rate offetal bovine serum inoculated stainless steel blades in deionizededwater at room temperature.

FIG. 5 is a graph of the sodium chloride and protein release rates ofbovine whole blood inoculated stainless steel blades in 1% sodiumdodecylsulfate solution at 23° C. and an agitation speed of 200 RPM.

FIG. 6 is a graph of the sodium chloride and protein release rates ofbovine whole blood inoculated polytetrafluoroethylene strips in 1%sodium dodecylsulfate solution at 23° C. and an agitation speed of 200RPM.

FIG. 7 is a graph of the protein release rates of bovine whole bloodcontaminated stainless steel blades in 1% sodium dodecylsulfate solutionat 21° C., 45° C. and different agitation speeds.

FIG. 8 is a graph of the protein release rates of bovine whole bloodinoculated polytetrafluoroethylene strips in deionizeded water atdifferent temperatures.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the apparatus of theinvention in which the method of the invention can be practiced.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the apparatusof the invention in which the method of the invention can be practiced.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the apparatus ofthe invention in which the method of the invention can be practiced.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the apparatusof the invention in which the method of the invention can be practiced.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the apparatus ofthe invention in which the method of the invention can be practiced.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus according to anotherembodiment of the invention, which has a chemical source to facilitatethe detection of soil.

FIGS. 15a-15 d are schematic diagrams of the apparatus according toanother embodiment of the invention, which has a standard covered withsoil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

One aspect of the present invention is to determine when a medicaldevice is sufficiently cleaned so that one can insure that a subsequentsterilization process will provide a sterile product, such as one havingsterility assurance level (SAL) of 10⁻⁶. That is, the probability ofhaving a non-sterile device is less than one in one million. In order todevelop technologies capable of accomplishing the above objective,studies were conducted to elucidate some of the important relationshipsbetween surface contamination with microorganisms, surface deposit typeand subsequent sterilization of medical devices.

The first experiment involved the inoculation of one million Bacillusstearothermophilus (Bst) spores in various concentrations of saline(sodium chloride) in 100 microliters of water onto stainless steelblades. Twenty blades were utilized for each concentration of salinesolution evaluated. Following drying overnight, the blades weresubjected to a standard sterilization protocol for one cycle ofsterilization in a commercially available sterilization apparatus fromAdvanced Sterilization Products in Irvine, Calif. The sterilizationprotocol included double wrapping the blades in CSR wrap and utilizing afull sterilization cycle with 6 mg/liter of hydrogen peroxide in thechamber delivered from a 59% hydrogen peroxide solution. The blades werethen placed into a TSB culture medium and incubated at 55° C. for 14days to determine if any viable organisms were remaining. Eachconcentration of saline was evaluated with three replicates, with atotal of 60 blades. The following are the results:

TABLE 1 Range Finding: 10⁶ Bst. spores in various concentrations ofsaline in Water 100 μl inoculated onto stainless steel blades. Total %weight of NaCl in water .85% .17% .034% .0068% Trial 1 20/20 13/20  4/20 5/20 Trial 2 20/20 16/20  8/20  2/20 Trial 3 20/20 18/20  5/20  4/20Total 60/60 47/60 17/60 11/60

The first number in each column represents the number of blades found tocontain viable organisms following exposure to the sterilizationprocess. The second number in each column represents the number ofblades evaluated in each trial. It can be seen that as the amount ofsaline in the surface deposit decreases, the fewer the number of viableremaining organisms and hence the more efficient the sterilizationprocess. Similar experiments were conducted with a surface depositcomprised of various concentrations of Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), whichnaturally contains approximately 0.75% of salt when undiluted as well asa surface deposit comprised of various amounts of saline along withvarious amounts of Fetal Bovine Serum. The results of those experimentsfollow:

TABLE 2 Range Finding: 10⁶ Bst. spores in various concentrations ofFetal Bovine Serum 100 μl inoculated onto stainless steel blades. % NaClin   .75%  .15%  .03% .006% 0% PBS % PBS in 100% 20% 4% .8% 0% DI waterTrial 1 1/20 0/20 0/20 0/20 0/10 Trial 2 0/20 0/20 0/20 0/20 0/10 Trial3 0/20 0/20 0/20 0/20 0/10 Total 1/60 0/60 0/60 0/60 0/30

It can be seen that a surface deposit comprised solely of Fetal BovineSerum provides virtually no interference with subsequent sterilizationin this particular experiment protocol even though it contains 0.75%salt when undiluted. It is believed that the presence of protein in theserum prevents the formation of salt crystals during the drying process.These salt crystals may occlude microorganisms and protect them fromsterilization processes. Therefore, the presence of salts, such as NaCl,in surface deposits on medical devices, present a special challenge interms of obtaining a sterile device during a concurrent or subsequentsterilization process. Since it is an objective of the present inventionto determine when medical devices are clean enough to be sterilized, themonitoring of salt concentration during the washing process is of greatimportance. Nevertheless, tap water which contains multiple salts atrelatively low concentration presents less of a challenge becauseuniform crystals are unlikely to form.

Additional experiments simulating rinsing or cleaning processes wereconducted on soil-deposited stainless steel (SS) blades orpolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) plastic strips as models for stainlesssteel and plastic medical devices and instruments. These experimentselucidate some of the important relationships between surface deposit(or soil) type and release or cleaning rates during a simulated rinsingor cleaning process.

A series of soil-containing solutions were prepared with compositions asillustrated in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Solution NaCl albumin proteins, total Water NaCl solution 0.74%0 0 99.26% Albumin solution 0.73% 4.20% 4.20% 95.07% RPMI + 10% FBS0.75% 0.35% Fetal bovine serum 0.70% 2.20% 3.51%

RPMI tissue culture medium, which is known in the art, when combinedwith 10% FBS, provides a soil with relatively high salt and low proteincontent. An aliquot of a solution was deposited and dried on either astainless steel surgical blade or small strip of polytetrafluoroethyleneplastic. A simulated rinsing or cleaning process was then performed andthe soil release rate was monitored via a chloride ion specificelectrode for sodium chloride (NaCl) or a spectrophotometric techniquebased upon the o-phthalic dialdehyde (OPA) assay for total protein. Thespecific conditions and results for these experiments follow.

In the first experiment, 100 microliters of sodium chloride solution wasinoculated on each SS blade. Eight blades were utilized for theexperiment. Each blade was dried for 70 minutes in the oven at 35° C.,followed by 30 minutes at room temperature. Eight glass vials were usedfor soaking the blades, one for each blade. Each vial contained 20 ml ofdeionizeded water. Soak times ranged from 0-60 seconds. The amount ofsodium chloride released into the deionizeded water was monitored with achloride ion selective electrode. FIG. 1 illustrates the results of theexperiment. FIG. 1 is a graph of the sodium chloride release rate ofsodium chloride inoculated stainless steel blades in deionizeded waterat room temperature.

In the second experiment, 100 microliters of albumin solution wasinoculated on each of eight SS blades. Each blade was dried for 70minutes in the oven at 35° C., followed by an additional 30 minutes atroom temperature. Eight glass vials were utilized to soak the blades,one for each blade. Each vial contained 20 ml of deionizeded water.Blades were soaked for between 0-300 seconds and the amount of proteinand sodium chloride released into the deionizeded water from each of theblades was monitored with the appropriate technology described above.FIG. 2 is a graph of the albumin and sodium chloride release rates ofalbumin-solution inoculated stainless steel blades in deionizeded waterat room temperature.

In the third experiment, 100 microliters of RPMI tissue culture mediumwith 10% FBS was inoculated on each of eight SS blades. Each blade wasdried for 70 minutes in the oven at 35° C., followed by an additional 30minutes at room temperature. Eight glass vials were used for soaking theblades, one for each blade. Each vial contained 20 ml of deionizededwater. The sodium chloride and protein release rates into thedeionizeded water from the blades was monitored with the appropriatetechnology described above. FIG. 3 is a graph of the sodium chloride andprotein release rates of RPMI tissue culture medium+10% FBS contaminatedstainless steel blades in deionizeded water at room temperature.

In the fourth experiment, 100 microliters of fetal bovine serum wasinoculated on each of eight SS blades. Each blade was dried for 70minutes in the oven at 35° C., followed by an additional 30 minutes atroom temperature. Eight glass vials were used for soaking the blades,one for each blade. Each vial contained 20 ml of deionizeded water.Sodium chloride and protein release rates into the deionizeded waterfrom the blade were monitored with the appropriate technology describedabove. FIG. 4 is a graph of the protein and sodium chloride releaserates of fetal bovine serum inoculated stainless steel blades indeionizeded water at room temperature.

The results of the first four release experiments indicate that in allcases, the sodium chloride soil was removed from the SS blades prior tothe protein-containing soil. Additionally, in all cases, the amount oftime required to remove the protein-containing soil was not more thantwo times the time required to remove sodium chloride. Also, in allcases, a simple soak in 20 ml of deionizeded water cleaned all theblades in less than five minutes.

The next series of experiments explored the relationships betweencleaning rates, cleaning solution composition, cleaning conditions andtype of surface. In experiments 5-8, the blood solution used was thefresh recalcified bovine blood, which was prepared by gently mixing 20parts of citrated bovine whole blood with 1 part of 0.5 molar calciumchloride solution at room temperature.

In the fifth experiment, the release rate of blood from a set of bladeswas measured. Each set of blades container 12 SS surgical blades (BardParker, size #10). Five drops of blood solution were deposited on eachblade. Each drop was 10 microliters. Blades were dried as in previousexperiments. When starting the release rate measurement, the blades wereplaced at the bottom of a glass beaker (150 ml capacity) with thesoaking solution in it. The soaking solution comprised 100 ml of 1% SDS(sodium dodecyl sulfate) solution and 0.2 ml of 5 M NaNO₃ at 23° C.,with an agitation speed of 200 RPM. The agitation was generated by usinga small Teflon stirring paddle (blade size=½″×½″, {fraction (1/16)}″wide) which rotated at a constant speed by a mixer. Sodium chloride andprotein release rates from the blades were monitored with theappropriate technology described above. FIG. 5 is a graph of the sodiumchloride and protein release rates of the blood solution inoculatedstainless steel blades in 1% SDS solution at 23° C. and an agitationspeed of 200 RPM.

In the sixth experiment, the release rate of blood from twelve PTFEstrips was measured. Five drops of blood solution were deposited on eachstrip (35 mm×6 mm×2 mm). Each drop was 10 microliters. Strips were driedas in previous experiments. When starting the release rate measurement,the strips were placed at the bottom of a glass beaker (150 ml capacity)with soaking solution in it. The soaking solution comprised 100 ml of 1%SDS solution and 0.2 ml of 5 M NaNO₃ at 23° C., with an agitation speedof 200 RPM. Sodium chloride and protein release rates from the PTFEstrips were evaluated with the appropriate technology described above.FIG. 6 is a graph of the sodium chloride and protein release rates ofthe blood solution inoculated PTFE strips in 1% SDS solution at 23° C.and an agitation speed of 200 RPM.

The results of the above two experiments once again show that the sodiumchloride soil is released more readily than the protein soil. Moreover,the time required to remove the protein soil is not significantly longerthan the amount of time required to remove the sodium chloride soil.Also, the whole blood deposit is more difficult to remove than theprevious deposits, despite the use of a 1% SDS solution and agitation ofthe solution at 200 RPM. Also, there is some difference between the twosurfaces, SS blades versus PTFE strips.

The next experiments explored the effects of cleaning solution agitationspeed and temperature.

In the seventh experiment, the release of blood from a set of blades atdifferent agitation speed was measured. Each set of blades contained 12SS surgical blades (size #10). Five drops of blood solution weredeposited on each blade. Each drop was 10 microliters. Blades were driedas in previous experiments. When starting the experiment, one set ofblades was placed in 100 ml of soaking solution at room temperature, andexposed to different agitation speeds (0, 350, 700, and 1400 RPM).Additionally, one set of blades was exposed to 1400 RPM at 45° C. Thesoaking solution comprised 100 ml of 1% SDS solution and 0.2 ml of 5 MNaNO₃. FIG. 7 is a graph of the protein release rates of the bloodsolution inoculated stainless steel blades in 1% SDS solution at 23° C.and 45° C. and different agitation speeds.

In the eighth experiment, the release rate of blood from a set of PTFEstrips at two different temperatures was measured. Each set contained 12PTFE strips. Five drops of blood solution were deposited on each strip.Each drop was 10 microliters. Strips were dried as in previousexperiments. When starting the release rate measurement, the strips wereplaced at the bottom of a glass beaker (150 ml capacity) with 100 mlsoaking solution in it. One set of strips was utilized for an experimentconducted at 45° C. and the other set was utilized for an experimentconducted at 23° C. No agitation was applied for both batches. Proteinrelease rates from the PTFE strips were evaluated with the appropriatetechnology described above. FIG. 8 is a graph of the protein releaserates of the blood solution inoculated PTFE strips in 1% SDS solution at23° C. and 45° C.

The preceding two experiments show that increasing solution agitationspeed or temperature will result in a shorter cleaning time or fasterrelease rate.

In summary, it has been discovered from the results of the above releaserate experiments that by correlating the release rate of various soils,one can monitor the release of a selected soil to ensure that adequatecleaning has taken place. In most situations, one can employ a cleaningtime of not more than two to three times the amount of time required toremove the inorganic soil to be assured that adequate protein soilremoval has occurred. Additionally, temperatures up to about 45° C. canbe effectively employed to increase the cleaning rate. Also, agitationcan be employed to increase cleaning effectiveness. Cleaning solutioncomposition will affect cleaning rate, but in many cases, warm water(e.g. 30-50° C.) will adequately remove all soils.

One aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for monitoringa cleaning process for a medical device. Preferably, the apparatus iscapable of determining when the device is sufficiently cleaned so thatthe device can be sterilized. The apparatus comprises a soil detector,capable of detecting inorganic and/or organic soil on a medical deviceor in a liquid utilized in a cleaning or cleaning monitoring process oron a soil-covered standard which can serve as a surrogate indicator ofcleanliness for the medical device.

Inorganic soils include electrolytes such as sodium chloride, potassiumchloride, calcium chloride and other alkaline and alkaline earth salts,inorganic metal-containing compounds such as iron salts and all otherinorganic compounds known to be present in the body and which may comein contact with a medical device which requires sterilization followinguse.

Organic soils include proteins, glycoproteins, lipoproteins, mucins,amino acids, polysaccharides, sugars, lipids, glycolipids and all otherorganic compounds known to be present in the body and which may come incontact with a medical device which requires sterilization followinguse. Organic soils also include whole, part, live, attenuated or deadmicroorganisms which may come in contact with a medical device.Microorganisms include all gram positive, gram negative, enteric andnon-enteric microorganisms, yeasts, fungi and viruses.

The apparatus of the invention is suitable for monitoring a cleaningprocess for a wide variety of medical devices, including critical itemsthat enter sterile tissues such as surgical instruments, semi-criticalitems that contact broken skin or mucous membranes such as endoscopes,arthroscopes, dental instruments and some anaesthetic equipment andnon-critical items that contact intact skin.

Liquids utilized in cleaning processes include cleaning and rinsingliquids. A separate liquid utilized solely for the purpose of monitoringcleaning may also be employed and may thus be utilized in an apparatuscomprising a soil detector. Cleaning processes include free-standingwashing processes, integrated systems which include cleaning processescomprising a washing step followed by a sterilizing step and integratedsystems which include cleaning processes in which cleaning andsterilization occur simultaneously.

The apparatus for monitoring cleaning can be integrated with a cleaningsystem for medical devices or a cleaning and sterilization system.

The soil detector of the apparatus of the invention may utilize avariety of detection technologies for monitoring cleaning, alone or incombination. Data obtained from one analyzer can be used to verify thereliability of data obtained from other analyzers. Soil detectiontechnologies can be divided into two basic soil categories: (1)detection technologies suitable for detecting inorganic soils; and (2)detection technologies suitable for detecting organic soils. In manycases, however, a soil detection technology may be suitable fordetecting both inorganic and organic soils.

The following are possible methods of detection. It should be understoodthat there are other suitable soil detection technologies not listedhere. The following are illustrative of useful technologies which can beemployed in the present invention.

A. Inorganic Soil (e.g. NaCl)

1. Ion-Selective Electrodes

1.1 Chloride Electrode Method

Principle: A chloride electrode is composed of a glass body, referencesolution, and a silver chloride/silver sulfide membrane. When themembrane is in contact with a chloride solution, an electrode potentialdevelops across the membrane. This electrode potential is measuredagainst a constant reference potential using a pH/mV/ion meter. Theconcentration of chloride ions, corresponding to the measured potential,is described by the Nernst equation:

E=Eo−S log X

where:

E=measured electrode potential (mV)

Eo=reference potential (mV)

S=electrode slope

X=chloride ion concentration (M)

The detection range of common chloride electrodes is from 1M to5.0×10⁻⁵M.

1.2 Sodium Electrode Method

Principle: A sodium electrode is composed of a glass body, referencesolution, and a sensing membrane. The sensing membrane has a liquidinternal filling solution in contact with a gelled organophilicmembrane, which contains a sodium selective ion exchanger. When themembrane is in contact with a sodium solution, an electrode potentialdevelops across the membrane. this electrode potential is measuredagainst a constant reference potential with a pH/mV/ion meter. Theconcentration of sodium ions, corresponding to the measured potential,is described by the Nernst equation.

E=Eo−S log X

where:

E=measured electrode potential (mV)

Eo=reference potential (mV)

S=electrode slope

X=sodium ion concentration (M)

The detection range of common sodium electrodes is from saturated to1.0×10⁻⁶M.

When utilized as a soil detector, the electrode probe would be placedeither directly inside the washing chamber in contact with a washing orrinsing liquid or inside a liquid conduit which is separate from thewashing chamber and which is used for sampling a washing, rinsing orcleaning monitoring liquid. Additionally, more than one electrode probemay be utilized at the same time. In this latter case, one probe wouldbe placed in continuous or intermittent or single contact with the freshwashing, rinsing or cleaning monitoring liquid. This probe would serveto provide the control potential reading for a soil-free liquid. Asecond probe would measure the potential of the wash, rinse or cleaningmonitoring liquid which has been exposed to the soiled medical device.The potential readings of the two probes would be compared and thedevice could be considered sufficiently cleaned when the two potentialreadings are substantially equivalent or within a few percent (e.g., 3%)of one another.

2. Conductivity Method

Principle: Ions or electrolytes in solution can be determined andquantitated by measuring the electrical conductivities of electrolytesolutions. The conductivity of a solution depends on the number of ionspresent and the mobilities of the ions. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is astrong electrolyte and is completely ionized in solution. As a result ofits complete ionization, the conductivity of a NaCl solution isproportional to the concentration of NaCl in the solution. Weakelectrolytes, such as acetic acid, are not completely ionized insolution and thus have low conductance and large increases inconductance on dilution, where more ionization occurs. The molarconductivity (A) is defined as

Λ=k/c

where:

c: the molar concentration of added electrolyte

k: the conductivity

The conductivity of a solution is generally measured with a probecontaining two electrodes along with suitable electrical circuitry suchas a Wheatstone Bridge for measuring the current between the electrodes.The conductivity of a solution is derived from the total numbers of ionsin solution derived from all of the strong and weak electrolytespresent.

When utilized as a soil detector, the conductivity probe would be placedeither directly inside the washing chamber in contact with a washing orrinsing liquid or inside a liquid conduit which is separate from thewashing chamber and which is used for sampling a washing, rinsing orcleaning monitoring liquid. Additionally, more than one conductivityprobe may be utilized at the same time. In this latter case, one probewould be placed in continuous or intermittent or single contact with thefresh washing, rinsing or cleaning monitoring liquid. This probe wouldserve to provide the control conductivity reading for a soil-freeliquid. A second probe would measure conductivity of the wash, rinse orcleaning monitoring liquid which has been exposed to the soiled medicaldevice. Conductivity readings of the two probes would be compared andthe device could be considered sufficiently cleaned when the twoconductivity readings are substantially equivalent or within a fewpercent (e.g., 3%) of one another.

3. Spectrophotometer Method

3.1 Chloride Ions Reagent

2Cl(−)+Hg(SCN)₂→HgCl₂+2SCN(−)

SCN(−)+Fe⁺³→Fe(SCN)⁺⁺

(Reddish Brown, 460 nm)

Principle: Chloride ions react with chloride reagent to formFe(SCN)++ions (reddish brown color) with a maximum absorbance at 460 nm.Preferably, an automatic colorimeter or photometric autotitrator isemployed with spectrophotometric techniques based upon the generation ofa colored species from the soil compound analyzed.

4. Ion Chromatography

Principle: Refers to the separation of substances by their differentialmigration on an ion-exchange column or on a sheet impregnated with anion exchanger. Ions (anions or cations) are separated on the basis ofion-exchange reactions that are characteristic of each type of ion. Thecommon detectors for ion chromatography are conductometric, UV andelectrochemical detectors. Ion chromatography can detect dissolvedchloride ions in water where concentrations range from a detection limitof 0.02 mg/L to 80 mg/L.

Preferably, an automatic ion chromatograph is employed when using ionchromatography for soil detection.

5. Capillary Electrophoresis

Principle: Electrophoresis is the movement of a charged species in anelectric field. Capillary electrophoresis utilizes capillary tubes. Akey advantage in the use of capillary tubes for electrophoresis is anenhanced heat dissipation that permits the use of high potentials forseparation. The use of high-potential fields leads to extremelyefficient separations with a dramatic decrease in analysis time.

6. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Principle: Refers to the separation of the components of a solutionfollowing different migration of the solutes in a liquid flowing througha column packed with specific solid particles. Among the separationspossible are peptides (by reversed phase chromatography), proteins andenzymes (hydrophobic and size exclusion modes of chromatography), aminoacids, and inorganic and organometallic compounds. There are severaldetectors that can be selected for a HPLC system. They are: UV-VISabsorption, IR absorption, fluorometry, refractive index,conductometric, electrochemical, and radioactivity detectors. Accordingto the sample and stationary phase type, several separation columns canbe selected. The common columns are affinity, gel-filtration, andion-exchange columns.

(1) Affinity Media:

A successful affinity separation requires that a biospecific ligand iscovalently attached to a chromatographic bed material, the matrix.

(2) Gel Filtration

The separation is based on differences in the size and/or shape of theanalyte molecules, which governs the analytes' access to the pore volumeinside the column packing particles.

(3) Ion-Exchange

This method involves solute interactions with charged groups of thepacking material, followed by elution with an aqueous buffer of higherionic strength or a change in pH.

7. Conclusion

Any of a number of different techniques can be used to monitor inorganicsoil. One convenient product for electrolyte testing is the “MultiPLY”integrated multisensor available from Daile International of Newark,Del.

B. Organic Soil (e.g. Proteins)

1. Spectrophotometer (Vis to UV, Wave Length 190 nm-900 nm)

1.1 OPA Method

Proteins-NH₂+o-phthalic dialdehyde+Thiol→1-alkylthio-2-alkylisoindol

(OPA) (Fluorescent, 340 nm)

Principle: The amino groups of proteins react with the aldehyde groupsof OPA in the presence of a thiol component(N₁N-dimethyl-2-mercapto-ethylammonium-chloride) to form a fluorescentcompound (1-alkylthio-2-alkylisoindol). The fluorescent compound has amaximum absorbance at 340 nm.

1.2 Albumin Reagent Method

Albumin +Bromcresol purple→Stable complex

(C₂₁H₁₆Br₂O₅S₉FW=540.24) (610 nm)

Principle: Bromcresol purple binds quantitatively with serum albuminforming a stable complex, which can be detected at 610 nm. The amount ofthe complex produced is linearly proportional to the albuminconcentration in the solution.

1.3 Lowry Micro Method

Principle: Dilute biuret reagent reacts with peptide bonds to yield apurple-blue complex. The color of this complex can be furtherintensified by the addition of phenol reagent. The increase inabsorbance, read at 550-750 nm, is used to determine the proteinconcentration in the sample.

1.4 Microprotein-PR™ Method

Principle: When the pyrogallol complex (in the Microprotein—PR reagent)binds amino groups of proteins, the absorbance of the reagent isshifted. The increase in absorbance at 600 nm is directly proportionalto protein concentration in the sample.

2. Liquid Chromatography or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography(HPLC)

Principle: Same as in the measurement of inorganic species.

3. Cyclic Voltammetry

Principle: When materials (metals, polymers, etc.) are brought intocontact with blood protein, a layer of protein (mostly fibrinogen) isformed at the interface within a few seconds. As a result of proteinadsorption, addition of proteins into protein-free solution will changethe behavior of the currently density—potential (I vs. V) of metalelectrodes in a cyclic voltammetry measurement. For example, the I-Vbehavior of a high copper alloy (2% zinc) is modified by the addition ofproteins (albumin, fibrinogen, etc) to a supporting phosphate-salineelectrolyte.

4. Radioactivity

Principle: Proteins are labeled with a radioactive isotope such asTechnicium 99 or Iodine 125 and the radioactivity of the solution ismeasured to determine the amount of protein present. For example, theprotein fibrinogen is labeled with ¹²⁵I using a twofold molar excess ofiodine monochloride. The biological properties of labeled fibrinogen areunaffected by this labeling method. The concentration of fibrinogen in asolution is directly proportional to the radioactivity (or intensity ofgamma radiation) of a solution containing labeled fibrinogen.

5. Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) Method

Principle: The quartz crystal microbalance is a mass-sensitive detectorbased on an oscillating quartz wafer. The response of the QCM isextremely sensitive to mass changes at the solid-solution interface.When gold coated quartz crystals are brought into contact with bloodprotein, a layer of protein is formed at the interface within a fewseconds. This small mass change can be easily detected by the QCM. Theincrease of mass (or decrease of frequency of oscillation) on the quartzcrystal is directly proportional to the protein concentration in asolution.

6. FTIR Spectroscopy(Transmission and ATR)

Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy can be used to identifyand quantitate proteins in mixtures, both in solutions as well as onsurfaces. Transmission FTIR studies of aqueous protein solutionsindicate the identity and amounts of proteins present. Attenuated totalreflectance (ATR) FTIR studies of protein-deposited surfaces candetermine the identity and amounts of proteins on surfaces.

7. Electrophoresis

Principle: Electrophoresis is the movement of a charged species in anelectric field. In general, protein molecules pick up hydrogen ions inacid solution to become positively charged. By varying the pH of theelectrophoretic medium, the velocity of a protein can be altered. If fora given protein the pI (pH at which the protein is electrically neutral)is smaller than the pH, its charge will be negative and movement will betowards the positive electrode. Protein components with pI>pH will bepositively charged and move in the opposite direction.

8. Capillary Electrophoresis

Principle: Same as in the measurement of inorganic species.

Additional technologies for detecting both inorganic and organic soilsinclude potentiometry, particularly potentiometric autotitrators, andtechnologies for detecting particles in solution or the clarity of asolution. The clarity of a solution can be measured with a turbidimeter,comprised of a turbidity sensor with a flow cell. Turbidimeters operatetypically with a photocell and provide an electrical signal which iseasily integrated with other systems, such as a cleaning control system.Alternatively, the clarity of a solution can be determined through ameasurement of the color, reflectance, absorbance, transmittance etc. ofthe liquid. Laser systems utilizing optical fibers for transmission fromthe laser and to the detector from the sample can also be employed forevaluation of solution clarity or many other properties.

Preferably, the apparatus of the invention employs detection technologyfor detecting soils wherein the detection technology is suitable fordetecting the presence of the soils in a liquid utilized in the cleaningprocess. Preferably, the liquid is selected from the group consisting ofa cleaning and rinsing liquid used during the cleaning process.

The apparatus of the invention may also employ detection technologywherein the detection technology is suitable for detecting the presenceof the soil on a surface of a medical device. Preferably, the detectiontechnology which is suitable for detecting the presence of soil on asurface of a medical device operates without contacting the surface ofthe device. For example, utilizing fiber optic technology, combined withreflectance spectrophotometry, one can directly monitor surfacecleaning. Alternatively, detection technology suitable for detecting thepresence of soil on the surface of a medical device may operate viadirect surface contact. In other words, a probe from the detectiontechnology may physically contact the surface of the medical device andthereby sense the amount of soil present on the surface in order todetermine and quantitate the state of cleanliness of the medical device.In most cases, the physical contact of the probe with the device istransient. A technology suitable for this particular application isattenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy. ATR methods employcrystals which transmit the sensing radiation directly to the surface ofthe sample to be monitored. The crystal physically contacts the surfaceof the sample. ATR spectroscopy can be utilized with ultraviolet (UV)absorption spectrophotometry as well as infra-red spectroscopytechnologies. ATR-UV technologies employ sapphire crystals as samplingprobes. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy can be employed with asuitable ATR crystal as well.

Alternatively, an indirect detection technology may also be employed.This approach employs the same physical-chemical detection technologiesand methods previously mentioned for other approaches. However, themedical device itself is not monitored for the degree of cleaning.Rather, a soil-deposited standard is inserted in the apparatus andmonitored in place of the medical device itself.

The soil detector may employ continuous sampling of a liquid or of asurface of a medical device or soil-covered standard or may employperiodic or single sampling of the aforementioned liquid or device orstandard. Periodic sampling may be carried out in uniform or nonuniform(i.e., random) intervals. The number of intervals can be as few as oneas in single sampling. A single sampling interval is viable under thesituation wherein the cleaning process takes place over a sufficientperiod of time such that there is a high degree of assurance thatsufficient cleaning has taken place such that the device can besterilized thereafter. However, preferably two or more samplingintervals are utilized by the soil detector to assess the amount ofcleaning which has taken place. More preferably, three or more samplingintervals are utilized. Even more preferably four or more samplingintervals are utilized by the detection technology.

The ion-selective electrode method is preferred for use in a soildetector due to its sensitivity and specificity for measuring relevantelectrolytes such as sodium and chloride as well as the relativelycompact probe, durability of the probe, ease of use, real timemeasurement capability and electrical basis of operation. Electrodepotential measurements may be taken continuously or intermittently andcan be easily integrated with a control system for a cleaning orcleaning and sterilization apparatus. A control system for controllingthe cleaning process may also be a part of the present invention.

The conductivity method is also preferred for use in a soil detector forthe same reasons given for the ion-selective electrode method.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for monitoringa cleaning process for a medical device, comprising the step ofmeasuring the soil removed from a medical device with the apparatus ofthe invention comprising a soil detector.

Preferably, the method comprises the further step of determining whenthe device is sufficiently cleaned so that it can be sterilized.

Preferably, the device is selected from the group consisting of criticalitems that enter sterile tissues, semi-critical items that contactbroken skin or mucous membranes and noncritical items that contactintact skin. More preferably, the critical items that enter steriletissues are surgical instruments. More preferably, the semi-criticalitems that contact broken skin or mucous membranes include endoscopes,arthroscopes, dental instruments and anaesthetic equipment.

Preferably, the method of the invention employs an apparatus comprisinga soil detector, wherein the soil detector utilizes detection technologycapable of detecting inorganic and/or organic soil. The inorganic soilis selected from the group consisting of inorganic electrolytes,alkaline and alkaline earth salts, inorganic metal-containing compoundsand other inorganic compounds present in the human body which may comein contact with a medical device. The organic soil is selected from thegroup consisting of proteins, glycoproteins, lipoproteins, mucous, aminoacids, polysaccharides, sugars, lipids, glycolipids, other organiccompounds present in the human body which may come in contact with amedical device, microorganisms and viruses.

The detection technology utilized in the method of the invention isselected from the group consisting of ion-selective electrodes,conductivity, spectrophotometry, ion chromatography, capillaryelectrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography, liquidchromatography, radioactivity, gravimetry, infra-red spectroscopy,potentiometry and turbidimetry.

The cleaning process monitored in the method of the invention isselected from the group consisting of an independent cleaning processcomprising one or more cleaning steps, a cleaning process comprising oneor more cleaning steps followed by a sterilization step and a cleaningprocess in which cleaning and sterilization occur simultaneously.

The apparatus comprising the soil detector utilized in the method of theinvention measures soil removed from the device by detecting soil on thedevice or in a liquid utilized in the cleaning process or a cleaningmonitoring process or on a soil-covered standard which is an indicatorof cleanliness for the device. Preferably, the liquid utilized in thecleaning process is a cleaning liquid.

The method of the invention wherein the liquid is a cleaning liquid andthe detecting is of the soil in the liquid comprises the steps of:

(a) detecting the soil in the liquid prior to the cleaning process; and

(b) detecting the soil in the liquid during or after the cleaningprocess.

The aforementioned method preferably further comprises the step ofdetermining if the soil in step (b) is substantially equal to the soilin step (a), wherein if the soil detected in step (b) is substantiallyequal to the soil detected in step (a), the device is considered to besufficiently cleaned so that it can be sterilized.

The amount of soil detected in one step may be considered to besubstantially equal to the amount of soil detected in another step ifthe two values are within an acceptable range. In many instances, anacceptable range would be up to a 10% difference, more preferably within3-5%.

If the soil determined in the aforementioned method in step (b) is notsubstantially equal to the soil determined in step (a), either thecleaning step or rinsing step or all steps of the cleaning process arerepeated until the soil determined in step (b) is substantially equal tothe soil determined in step (a).

One embodiment of an apparatus for monitoring a cleaning process for amedical device or instrument comprising a ion-selective electrode-basedsoil detector is illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates an apparatus10 which contains a washing chamber 20 for washing medical devices andinstruments such as a medical device 22 with a lumen and surgicalinstrument 24. The washing chamber 20 may also be utilized forsterilization. Washing chamber 20 has a liquid outlet 40 with valve 41and liquid inlet 45 with valve 46. Liquid outlet 40 and liquid inlet 45are utilized to transport a washing or rinsing liquid out of washingchamber 20 and back into chamber 20. Liquid outlet 40 is connectedthrough valve 41 to liquid conduit 50 which in turn is connected toliquid pump 60. Liquid conduit 50 transports a washing or rinsing liquidto pump 60 from the washing chamber 20. Pump 60 pumps the washing orrinsing liquid from washing chamber 20 through liquid outlet 40, valve41 and liquid conduit 50 into liquid conduit 55. Liquid conduit 55returns the liquid through valve 46 and liquid inlet 45 to the washingchamber 20. Liquid conduit 55 is also connected to liquid conduit 58which contains a valve 57 and liquid inlet 56. Liquid inlet 56 is usedfor the inlet of any of the liquids utilized in the washing or rinsingprocess. Liquid inlet 56 allows, for example, the inlet of a fresh wash,rinse or cleaning monitoring liquid into conduit 55 so that a potentialreading may be taken by electrode probe 70 which is positioned insideconduit 55. Washing chamber 20 also contains a liquid outlet 44 which isconnected to valve 47. Valve 47 is connected to conduit 54 which in turnis connected to drain outlet 59. Liquid outlet 44 and the aforementionedconnected parts are utilized for draining chamber 20 after a wash orrinse cycle.

The electrode probe 70 is utilized for soil detection within the washingor rinsing liquid. Electrode probe 70 contains a first electrode 72 andsecond electrode 74. Liquid flowing through conduit 55 passes by boththe first electrode 72 and the second electrode 74. The ions in theliquid produce a current which is transmitted via electrical cable 76and electrical cable 78 to the electrical circuitry 80 for the electrodedetector. The electrical circuitry 80 is connected via an electricalconnection 90 to the washing control system 30. The washing controlsystem 30 is directly connected to the washing chamber 20 and controlsall aspects of the washing process.

The method of the invention for monitoring a cleaning process for amedical device, utilizing the apparatus of the invention illustrated inFIG. 9, operates as follows: All valves are initially in the closedposition. Valve 57 is opened and fresh, clean wash or rinse water isallowed to flow into inlet 56 from a wash or rinse water source (notshown). Electrode potential readings are taken initially by theelectrode probe 70 of the clean wash or rinse liquid which does notcontain any soil. Preferably, in this embodiment of the method, apotential reading is taken of the clean wash liquid. This represents thetime 0 potential reading. Thereafter, valve 46 is opened allowing washwater to enter chamber 20, filling it to prepare for the wash cycle.Alternatively, valves 46 and 57 can be opened simultaneously, so that atime 0 reading may be taken during filling of the chamber 20. A time 0reading may also be taken during the washing cycle, if desired. Valves46 and 57 are then closed and the wash cycle is initiated. The washcycle is run over a time period determined by the type of medicaldevices and instruments present. Generally, this time period is lessthan about one hour. Preferably, this time period is less than about 30minutes. Even more preferably, this time is less than about 15 minutes.At the end of the wash cycle, valve 47 is opened and the dirty washwater is allowed to flow out of the chamber through outlet 59. Valve 47is closed after the chamber is emptied. Valves 45 and 57 are once againopened, allowing fresh rinse water to enter chamber 20. After chamber 20is filled, valves 45 and 57 are once again closed. A rinse cycle is thenperformed. This cycle generally is of a fraction of or is equal to theduration of the wash cycle. One or more potential readings are taken ofthe rinse liquid during or at the end of the rinse cycle. This isperformed by simultaneously opening valves 41 and 46 and turning pump 60on to pump the rinse liquid into conduits 50 and 55 until the rinseliquid contacting the electrode probe 70 is equivalent to the rinseliquid inside the chamber 20. If the potential of the rinse liquidfollowing the wash cycle is substantially equal to the time 0 potentialreading, adequate cleaning has been achieved. If not, either the rinsecycle or wash and rinse cycle are repeated until the potential readingof the rinse solution attains the desired value. At this stage, themedical device 22 and instrument 24 inside the chamber can be sterilizedin the second step of a two step sequential cleaning and sterilizationprocess.

Another embodiment of an apparatus for monitoring a cleaning process fora medical device or instrument comprising an ion-selectiveelectrode-based soil detector is illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 10illustrates an apparatus 11 which contains a washing chamber 20 forwashing medical devices and instruments such as a medical device 22 witha lumen and surgical instrument 24. Washing chamber 20 can also beutilized for both cleaning and sterilization. The cleaning and thesterilization can take place simultaneously or sequentially. Preferably,the cleaning step is performed prior to the sterilization step insidechamber 20. Washing chamber 20 has a water inlet 53 which is connectedto a water source (not shown) and also through valve 52 and conduit 51to valve 43. Valve 43 is connected directly to inlet 42 leading directlyto the inside of washing chamber 20. Washing chamber 20 also has wateroutlets 44 and 48. Water outlet 44 is connected to valve 47 andthereafter to conduit 54 which leads to the water drain outlet 59. Thewater drain outlet 59 is a dirty water outlet used primarily to purgethe washing chamber 20 of dirty water. Water outlet 48 is connected tovalve 49 and thereafter to conduit 61 which leads to valve 62. Valve 62leads to the rinsing water outlet 63. Conduit 51 in the water inlet linecontains a first electrode probe 64 with a first electrode 65 and asecond electrode 66. The first electrode 65 is connected to electricalcable 67 and the second electrode 66 is connected to electrical cable68. Electrical cables 67 and 68 lead from the electrode probe 64 toelectrical circuitry 31 which comprises the ion-selective electrodeelectrical circuitry as well as the washing or washing and sterilizationcontrol circuitry. Similarly, a second electrode probe 71 is positionedin the rinsing water outlet conduit 61 between valves 49 and 62.Electrode probe 71 has a first electrode 73 and a second electrode 75.Electrodes 73 and 75 are connected to electrical cables 77 and 79,respectively. Electrical cables 77 and 79 are connected directly toelectrical circuitry 31.

The method of the invention for monitoring a cleaning process for amedical device utilizing the apparatus of the invention illustrated inFIG. 10, operates as follows: valves 52 and 43 in the water inletconduit 51 are opened and water is allowed to flow through water inlet42 into the washing chamber 20 until chamber 20 is sufficiently filledfor a cleaning cycle. This water is fresh, clean water with no soil. Apotential reading is taken of this water with the electrode probe 64 andthe electrical circuitry 31 stores this reading. Valves 52 and 43 arethen closed. A first cleaning cycle is performed within the washingchamber 20. This cleaning cycle is generally less than about one hour.Preferably, the cleaning cycle is less than about 30 minutes. Morepreferably, the cleaning cycle is less than about 15 minutes. Valve 47opens at the end of this first cleaning cycle. The dirty wash water isexpelled from chamber 20 through an outlet 44 after valve 47 opens.Valve 47 is closed after all of the dirty wash water is expelled fromthe washing chamber 20. Thereafter, valves 53 and 43 are once againopened and clean, fresh rinse water is allowed to flow into the washingchamber 20 through the inlet port 42. A second potential reading of theclean, fresh rinse water coming into the chamber may be taken with thefirst electrode probe 64. Valves 52 and 43 are then closed and a rinsingcycle within chamber 20 is initiated. This rinsing cycle is generallyless than about one hour. Preferably, the rinsing cycle is less thanabout 30 minutes. More preferably, the rinsing cycle is less than about15 minutes. At the end of the rinse cycle, valves 49 and 62 in therinsing water outlet line 61 are opened allowing the rinsing water toflow out of the washing chamber 20 past the second electrode probe 71. Apotential reading is taken by electrode probe 71 and transmitted toelectrical circuitry 31. A comparison is made by electrical circuitry 31of the potential of the rinsing water taken by electrode probe 71 andthe potential of the fresh, clean rinsing water taken by electrode probe64. If these two values are substantially equivalent, meaning that theyare identical or within a few percent of one another, then no furtherwashing and rinsing is required. Valves 49 and 63 are closed once all ofthe rinse liquid has been expelled from chamber 20. However, if the tworeadings are not substantially equal in absolute value, then additionalrinsing is initiated and performed as before. The second rinse cycle maybe either a fraction of the duration of the first rinse cycle or may beequivalent in duration to the first rinse cycle. Potential readings aretaken as before during the first rinse cycle and the potential readingof the rinse liquid after it has contacted the medical devices andinstruments is compared once again to the potential reading of the freshclean rinse liquid. Once these two readings are substantiallyequivalent, then adequate cleaning has taken place and no furtherwashing and rinsing is required. At this stage, the medical device 22and instrument 24 inside the chamber can be sterilized in the secondstep of a two step sequential cleaning and sterilization process. Thechamber 20 may then be opened via a door (not shown) and device 22 andinstrument 24 removed for use.

Another embodiment of the apparatus for monitoring a cleaning processfor medical devices or instruments comprising an ion-selectiveelectrode-based soil detector is illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 11illustrates an apparatus 12 which contains a chamber 20 for washingmedical devices and instruments such as a medical device 22 with a lumenand surgical instrument 24. Washing chamber 20 may also be utilized forsterilization. The sterilization may occur simultaneously with cleaningor may take place following the cleaning step. Apparatus 12 contains allof the components of apparatus 11 illustrated in FIG. 10, with theexception of outlet 48, valve 49, valve 62, conduit 61 and rinsing wateroutlet 63. Apparatus 12 operates in much the same manner as apparatus 11illustrated in FIG. 10. In the case of apparatus 12 illustrated in FIG.11, however, all of the washing and rinsing liquid exits washing chamber20 through the outlet 44. Otherwise, all of the steps of the method ofthe invention for monitoring the cleaning process described previouslyand which are utilized for apparatus 11 as illustrated FIG. 10 apply toapparatus 12 illustrated in FIG. 11. Once again, the second electrodeprobe 71 will take potential readings of the rinsing liquid after it hascontacted the medical device and instrument 24 during or at the end of arinse cycle following a wash cycle. In this particular embodiment,however, these readings are taken inside the washing chamber 20, ratherthan inside conduit 61 as in apparatus 11 illustrated in FIG. 10. Theprincipal advantage of apparatus 11 as illustrated in FIG. 10, is withthe placement of the second electrode probe 71 inside conduit 61. Theplacement of the second electrode probe 71 inside conduit 61 allows forthe complete protection of the second electrode probe 71 from becomingover-contaminated by soils. This ensures that the electrode probe 71will repeatedly perform the potential readings accurately and precisely.In some instances, however, it is not necessary to place the secondelectrode probe 71 inside a separate conduit 61. Thus, the apparatus 12illustrated in FIG. 11 is useful for some washing applications,particularly wherein it is known that soil contamination of theelectrode probe 71 is not a problem.

The apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 can be further modified,for example, to include a detector which detects inorganic soil and adetector which detects organic soil. The apparatus can have a secondchamber in controllable fluid communication with the chamber 20, and thedetectors can be placed in the second chamber. A soiled standard canalso be provided, for example, in the second chamber, and the cleaningcondition and the soil coverage on the soiled standard are so determinedthat the degree of cleanness of the standard serves as an indication ofthe completeness of the cleaning of the device to be cleaned.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus for monitoring acleaning process for a medical device or instrument comprising anion-selective electrode-based soil detector. FIG. 12 illustrates anapparatus 13 which contains a washing chamber 20 for washing medicaldevices and instruments such as a medical device 22 with a lumen andsurgical instrument 24. As with other embodiments, washing chamber 20can also be utilized for sterilization. Washing chamber 20 has a waterinlet 42 which is connected through valve 43 to a water inlet conduit51. The water inlet conduit 51 is connected to the water inlet 53. Waterinlet 53 is connected to a water source (not shown). Washing chamber 20also has components 44, 47, 54 and 59 which have the same placement,connections and water drain functions as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. Thisembodiment of the apparatus of the invention illustrated in FIG. 12 hasa single electrode probe 70 with a first electrode 72 and a secondelectrode 74. Electrodes 72 and 74 are connected to electrical cables 76and 78, respectively. Electrical cables 76 and 78 are connected directlyto electrical circuitry 31. Electrical circuitry 31 performs the samefunction as described with the apparatus of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11. Electrode probe 70 is positioned inside a small waterreservoir 81 which is positioned directly underneath the water inlet 42.Water reservoir 81 is designed to catch the first small volume of waterwhich is let into washing chamber 20. This allows a potential reading tobe taken of the fresh clean wash water prior to its contact with themedical device 22 and instrument 24. Reservoir 81 has a reservoir outletand inlet 82 which is connected to reservoir outlet and inlet conduit83. Reservoir outlet and inlet conduit 83 contains a reservoir outletand inlet valve 84 and reservoir drain outlet and inlet 85.

The method of the invention for monitoring a cleaning process for amedical device, utilizing the apparatus that the invention illustratedin FIG. 12 operates as follows: Valve 43 is opened and fresh cleanwater, or other washing or rinsing liquid, is allowed to flow intowashing chamber 20 through the inlet 42. The water reservoir 81 fills upallowing a potential reading to be taken of the fresh clean water by theelectrode probe 70. This potential reading is stored in electricalcircuitry 31 as the control potential reading. Water continues to flowinside washing chamber 20 through inlet 42 and fills reservoir 81.Reservoir valve 84 is opened. Water then flows from the reservoir 81through reservoir conduit 83 and reservoir drain outlet and inlet 85into washing chamber 20. Washing chamber 20 is filled sufficiently withthe washing water so that a washing cycle may begin. Reservoir valve 84is closed and the washing cycle is initiated as described in the methodof the invention utilizing the apparatus of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11. Prior to the initiation of the washing cycle, valves 43and 47 are closed so that no liquid may flow into or drain from thewashing chamber 20.

At this point, the electrode probe 70 can be isolated, totally orpartially, from the dirty washing liquid in chamber 20. This can beachieved by numerous ways. For example, reservoir 81 is filled withfresh washing liquid and the electrode probe 70 is immersed in the freshwashing liquid while the cleaning is conducted in the chamber 20, sothat the electrode probe is protected from the contamination caused bythe dirty washing liquid. In another example, the electrode probe 70 canbe moved into and out of contact with the liquid. Alternatively,reservoir 81 can be covered with a movable cap 91 during the cleaningprocess. An enclosure or a second chamber can be provided, which is madein controllable fluid communication with chamber 20, and a detector canbe placed in the enclosure. Thus, during a cleaning process the fluidcommunication between the chamber 20 and the enclosure is cut off, forexample, with a valve, and when measuring the soil concentration in thewashing liquid the fluid communication is reestablished.

At the end of the washing cycle, the dirty wash water is allowed to flowout of washing chamber 20 through outlet 44 and drain outlet 59 throughvalve 47 which is opened for that purpose. Valve 47 is then closed andfresh rinse liquid is allowed to flow inside washing chamber 20 throughinlet 53 and inlet 42 through valve 43 which is opened for that purpose.Once again, the rinse liquid flows into the reservoir 81, filling it andthereafter filling chamber 20 for the rinse cycle in the same process aspreviously described. Valve 43 is closed and a rinsing cycle takes placeas previously described in the method of the invention utilizing theapparatus of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Valve 84 isopened and rinse liquid is allowed to flow into reservoir 81.Alternatively, the level of the rinse liquid inside chamber 20 may behigher than the top of the sides of reservoir 81, allowing rinse liquidto fill reservoir 81. In this manner, an accurate potential reading canbe taken of the rinsing liquid inside the reservoir 81 such that it isrepresentative of the rinsing liquid inside the washing chamber 20. Thissecond potential reading is compared to the potential reading taken ofthe fresh clean rinse liquid. The comparison in potential readings isdone exactly as described before herein and a determination is made ifsufficient rinsing and/or cleaning has taken place and an additionalrinse or wash and rinse cycle are necessary.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus for monitoring acleaning process for a medical device or instrument comprising anion-selective electrode-based soil detector. FIG. 13 illustrates anapparatus 14 which once again contains a washing chamber 20 for washingor washing and sterilizing medical devices and instruments as previouslydescribed. All components of apparatus 14 illustrated in FIG. 13 are thesame as described with identically-numbered components in apparatus 13illustrated in FIG. 12, with the exception of components 30,80 and 90.

Components 30, 80 and 90 are the same and have the same connections andfunctions as components 30, 80 and 90 illustrated in FIG. 9. Component30 is the washing control system. Component 80 is the electricalcircuitry for the electrode detector. Electrical circuitry 80 isconnected via an electrical connection 90 to the washing control system30. Component 31 illustrated in FIG. 12 performs the same function ascomponents 30, 80 and 90 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 13.

Reservoir 81, reservoir outlet and inlet 82, reservoir outlet and inletvalve 84, reservoir outlet and inlet conduit 83 and reservoir drainoutlet and inlet 85 illustrated in FIG. 12 are also not utilized inapparatus 14 illustrated in FIG. 13. Apparatus 14 carries out the methodof the invention in the same manner as apparatus 13 in FIG. 12, with theexception that reservoir 81 and associated outlet and inlet components82-85 are not employed to hold a small volume of wash or rinse liquid totake a potential reading and subsequently release it. All potentialreadings are directly taken of the liquid inside chamber 20 instead. Asecond probe 99 or more probes can also be used to monitor additionalsoils.

FIG. 14 illustrates an apparatus 15 which contains a washing chamber 20for washing or washing and sterilizing medical devices 24 andinstruments 22 as previously described. Apparatus 15 also has anenclosure 102 coupled to chamber 20. Enclosure 102 is in controllablefluid communication with chamber 20. Preferably, chamber 20 andenclosure 102 is separated by a valve 104. Enclosure 102 is equippedwith another valve 106 which can be connected to a drainage. A chemicalsource 108 is coupled to enclosure 102 through a valve 110. A chemicalsuitable for reacting with the soil in the washing liquid to generate adetectable signal, such as color, is stored in the chemical source.Examples of such chemical include, but not limited to, chloride ionsreagent (Hg(SCN)₂), OPA, albumin reagent, biuret reagent, andMicroprotein-PR.

In use, valve 104 is opened and the washing, cleaning, or rinsing liquidin chamber 20 is allowed into enclosure 102 when a measurement is to beconducted. The amount of the washing liquid introduced into enclosure102 can be controlled. Then valve 104 is closed and valve 110 is openedso that the chemical is introduced into enclosure 102. Once the chemicalis introduced into the enclosure 102, chamber 20 and enclosure 102should be totally isolated from each other so that no chemical willenter chamber 20. After the measurement is finished, the liquid inenclosure 102 is drained through valve 106. Enclosure 102 may haveanother clean washing liquid inlet (not shown) for introducing freshwashing liquid to clean enclosure 102. The amount of the chemical addedto enclosure 102 is controlled. Preferably, concentration of thechemical in the washing liquid in the enclosure 102 is about the same indifferent measurements, so that intensity of the signal generated by thereaction between the chemical and the washing liquid will reflect onlythe content of soil in the washing liquid, but not affected by thechemical concentration itself.

A spectrophotometer 100 having a detector 112 and a light source 114 isprovided to detect the signal generated by the chemical. The detector112 and light source 114 can be placed inside or outside enclosure 102.In case they are located outside enclosure 102 as shown in FIG. 14, atleast a portion of the wall of enclosure 102 should be transparent tothe light from the light source 114 so that the light can travel throughthe body of the washing liquid in the enclosure and reach to detector112. When the generated signal is a color, it can be observed visually,thus, human eyes can serve as a detector.

The structures as described previously with FIGS. 9-13 can be combinedwith the apparatus 15 of FIG. 14. Optionally, chamber 20 can be alsoconnected to a vacuum pump or a vacuum source 116. When the cleaning iscompleted, vacuum can be applied to chamber 20 to facilitate the dryingof the cleaned items 22 and 24. A sterilizing system can be also provideso that chamber 20 can be used as a sterilizing chamber. After thecleaning, sterilization can be conducted in the same chamber 20 withoutremoving the instruments to be cleaned and sterilized. There are nolimitations on the sterilization system to be used with the cleaningprocess of the present invention. Thus, any proper sterilization systemcan be used in combination with the cleaning process. If desired,cleaning and sterilization can be conducted simultaneously by using acombined cleaning and sterilizing solution, such as one with dissolvedozone or chlorine dioxide.

FIGS. 15a-15 d show various apparatus according to other embodiments ofthe present invention. In these embodiments, a standard 120 covered withsoil is provided. The purpose of the soil covered standard is to providea standardized indication of the cleanness of the items to be cleanedduring a cleaning precess. In other words, the soiled standard 120 willbe cleaned simultaneously with the item or items to be cleaned, and thecleanness of the soil covered standard 120 will be monitored. Acorrelation between the cleanness of the item to be cleaned and thecleanness of the soil covered standard 120 for a particular apparatusconfiguration can be established through experiments. Thus, when thestandard is cleaned to a certain degree, that will indicate a completecleaning of the items to be cleaned has been achieved.

There are several advantages associated with the use of a soiledstandard. For example, by using a soiled standard, one can focus on thestandard for monitoring and the detection of soil removed from orremaining on the standard during a cleaning precess, thus the monitoringprocedure can be standardized. The soil level and the cleaningefficiency of the standard 120 can be controlled. The standard 120 canbe exposed to a cleaning environment which is equally efficient as orless efficient than that the items to be cleaned are exposed to, orstandard 120 can be soiled more heavily than the items 22 and 24, sothat when the standard is completely cleaned the items to be cleaned isguaranteed to be cleaned completely. Another option is to soil thestandard 120 less heavily than the items 22 and 24 (here it means thatthe standard is covered with less soil), but put the standard 120 in aconsiderably less efficient cleaning environment, so that before thestandard is cleaned the items to be cleaned will be completely cleaned.This option allows to reduce the soil level to which the detectorexposes, thus, reducing the potential problems associated with thecontamination of the detector surface by the soil. In general,conditions can be set up such that when the standard 120 is cleaned tocertain level, the items 22 and 24 will be cleaned completely. This willallow the use of less sensitive detectors. The standard 120 can becovered with any proper soils such as those mentioned previously, ortheir combinations. Preferably, standard 120 is covered with the samesoils as those contained in the items 22 and 24 to be cleaned. However,if desirable, the standard 120 can be covered with soil different fromthat of the items 22 and 24 to be cleaned. This will allow the use ofcertain soil on the standard and a preferred type of detectiontechnology particularly suitable to that type of soil. Many otheroptions are available as long as a proper correlation between thecleaning of the standard 120 and the cleaning of the items to be cleanedis established through experiments associated with particular apparatusconfigurations.

FIG. 15a illustrates an apparatus 16 with an soil covered standard 120and a soil detector 122 positioned in an enclosure 102. Standard 120 canbe any suitable surface covered with soil. For example, standard 120 canbe a plate or a piece of suitable material preferably removably coupledto a support. Preferably, the connection between the standard 120 andthe support 124 is made in such a way that the contact area of thestandard is not soiled. There are several ways for controlling thecleaning efficiency of the standard 120 relative to that of the items 22and 24. For example, valve 104 can be adjusted at different levels tocontrol the fluid communication between chamber 20 and enclosure 102. Alarger valve 104 will provide a better fluid communication, thus, thecleaning efficiency in chamber 20 and enclosure 102 will be closer toeach other. Another option is to provide an adjustable agitation systemin enclosure 102, or chamber 20, or both. By adjusting the agitationlevel, the cleaning efficiency in enclosure 102 or chamber 20 can beadjusted to a predetermined level. Detector 122 can be any suitabletype, for example, it can be an electrode. Other parts of the apparatus16 are similar to those of FIG. 14. In one embodiment, valve 104 isopened at a predetermined level during a cleaning process, and the soillevel in the washing solution in the enclosure 102 is monitored withdetector 122.

In another embodiment, an apparatus similar to that shown in FIG. 14 isused, the only difference is that a soil covered standard 120 is placedin enclosure 102. In this case standard 120 is made of materialtransparent to a predetermined wave length range. Preferably, standard120 has a flat surface covered with soil which reacts with the chemicalcontained in the chemical source 108 (see FIG. 14) producing certaincompound that absorbs light in a certain range of wave length. It isalso possible to use light source 114 and spectrophotometer 112 alonewithout a chemical source.

FIG. 15b shows another embodiment, in which standard 120 is not placedin an enclosure, instead it is placed in an indentation. As shown inthis figure, standard 120 is removably coupled to a support 122.Preferably, standard 120 is a flat plate with its surface covered withsoil on one side or both sides. Support 122 is mounted on the wall ofthe indentation 130. Preferably, support 122 is movable, or standard canbe coupled to support 122 at several positions, so that the position ofstandard 120 in the indentation 130 can be adjusted. Indentation 130 mayhave different shapes. For example, it can be an inclined gap with itstwo side walls 132 divergent from the wall of chamber 20 as shown inFIG. 15b. The two side walls 132 can also be made parallel to eachother. If desired, indentation 130 may also have a surrounded side wallwith only one end open to chamber 20. Because of the limited space, thecleaning efficiency in indentation 130 is lower than the area where theitems 22 and 24 are placed, and the deeper and narrower the indentation130, the less the cleaning efficiency is. Thus, the relative cleaningefficiency of standard 120 can be adjusted by placing it in differentpositions in the indentation 130. Agitation level in chamber 20 can alsobe used to adjust the cleaning efficiency.

A light source 114 and a detector 112 are provided at two opposite sidesof indentation 130. Side walls 132 are made of material transparent tothe light from light source 114. Standard 120 is also made of materialtransparent to the light from light source 114. Thus, quartz is asuitable material for both the side walls 132 and the standard 120.FIGS. 15c and 15 d illustrate two other configurations of theindentation 130. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 15c, indentation 130is located at a corner of the chamber 20. Light source 114 is placedoutside chamber 20 in a space next to indentation 130. In thearrangement shown in FIG. 15d, indentation 130 is also located at acorner of the chamber 20, but extruding outwardly. Light source 114 anddetector 112 are placed outside chamber 20 in a space next toindentation 130. If the standard 120 to be used has a flat surface, thesurface can be put in any proper orientation, vertical, horizontal, orwith an angle. The light beam from the light source 114 can be vertical,horizontal, or any other angle.

The apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 15a-15 d can be easily adapted tofurther include one or more other detectors of proper type, a vacuumpump or vacuum source for vacuum drying the items after cleaning, asterilization system.

Generally, the embodiments of the apparatus of the invention illustratedin FIGS. 9-15d can employ one or more additional soil detectors. Soildetectors suitable for detecting protein are particularly usefuladditions. In such embodiments, it is preferable to use one moredetectors for detecting inorganic soil in combination with anultraviolet-visible spectroscopy detector suitable for detecting proteinand other organic species. An example of the latter type of detector isa spectrophotometer employing a detection wavelength of 220 nm, one ofthe principle ultraviolet absorption wavelengths common to all proteinsand many organic molecules found in the body. Many other wavelengths arealso suitable, including 260, 265, and 280 nm. Another preferred soildetector combination employs one or more detectors along with acolorimetric autotitrator for detecting protein. Another preferreddetector combination employs an ion-selective electrode detector and aturbidimetry detector. Combinations of detectors other than those listedmay also be employed. All the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 9-15d canemploy a chamber 20 which also serves as a vacuum chamber, so thatvacuum drying can be conducted in the chamber with a vacuum source.Various sterilization systems for liquid phase or vapor phasesterilization can be combined into the apparatus of the presentinvention illustrated in FIGS. 9-15d. When a long and narrow lumendevice is to be cleaned and/or sterilized, chamber 20 can be furtherdivided into two sub-chambers separated by a sealable interface with twoopen ends of the lumen positioned in the two sub-chambers separately. Apressure difference can be generated between the two sub-chambers, sothat cleaning or sterilant fluid flows through the lumen. Thus, thelumen can be cleaned and sterilized more efficiently.

The foregoing examples are provided by way of illustration only and arenot intended as a limitation of the present invention, many variationsof which are possible without departing from the spirit and scopethereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for monitoring a cleaning processfor a medical instrument, comprising: a cleaning chamber for receivingand cleaning the instrument with a cleaning liquid; a soil detectorcoupled to the cleaning chamber and adapted to provide an indication ofthe amount of the soil on the instrument; wherein the soil detector isat least partially controllably isolated from liquid in the chamber sothat access to the detector by the cleaning liquid in the chamber iscontrollable during the cleaning process.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said soil detector is moveable and by moving the detector it canbe made in or out of fluid communication with the chamber.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said soil detector comprises an electrodelocated in an enclosure, the enclosure is so coupled to the chamber thatthe cleaning liquid has controllable access to said enclosure.
 4. Anapparatus for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical instrument,comprising: a cleaning chamber for receiving and cleaning theinstrument; and at least a first soil detector and a second soildetector adapted to provide an indication of the amount of soil removedfrom or remained on the instrument, the first and second soil detectorbeing placeable in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber,wherein the first soil detector and the second soil detector are notidentical.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first detector islocated adjacent to an inlet of the cleaning chamber, the seconddetector is located adjacent to an outlet of the cleaning chamber. 6.The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a second chamber in fluidcommunication with the cleaning chamber, and the first detector islocated in the second chamber.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein thefirst soil detector and the second soil detector detect different typesof soil.
 8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1, and 4,wherein the detector is selected from the group consisting ofion-selective electrodes, conductivity, spectrophotometry, ionchromatography, capillary electrophoresis, high performance liquidchromatography, liquid chromatography, radioactivity, gravimetry,infra-red spectroscopy, potentiometry and turbidimetry.
 9. The apparatusaccording to any one of claims 1, and 4, further comprising a vacuumpump connected to said chamber, wherein said chamber also functions as avacuum chamber.
 10. The Apparatus according to any one of claims 1, and4, further comprising a sterilization system.
 11. An apparatus formonitoring a cleaning process for a medical instrument, comprising: acleaning chamber for receiving and cleaning the instrument; and at leasta first soil detector and a second soil detector adapted to provide anindication of the amount of soil removed from or remained on theinstrument, the first and second soil detector being placeable in fluidcommunication with the cleaning chamber; wherein the first soil detectoris adapted to detect inorganic soil, and the second soil detector isadapted to detect organic soil.
 12. An apparatus for monitoring acleaning process for a medical instrument, comprising: a cleaningchamber for receiving and cleaning the instrument; and at least a firstsoil detector and a second soil detector adapted to provide anindication of the amount of soil removed from or remained on theinstrument, the first and second soil detector being placeable in fluidcommunication with the cleaning chamber; and a vacuum pump connected tosaid chamber, wherein said chamber also functions as a vacuum chamber.13. An apparatus for monitoring a cleaning process for a medicalinstrument, comprising: a cleaning chamber for receiving and cleaningthe instrument; at least a first soil detector and a second soildetector adapted to provide an indication of the amount of soil removedfrom or remained on the instrument, the first and second soil detectorbeing placeable in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber; and asecond chamber in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber, and thefirst detector is located in the second chamber.
 14. An apparatus formonitoring a cleaning process for a medical instrument, comprising: acleaning chamber for receiving and cleaning the instrument with acleaning liquid; a soil detector coupled to the cleaning chamber andadapted to provide an indication of the amount of the soil on theinstrument; wherein said soil detector is moveable and by moving thedetector it can be made in or out of fluid communication with thechamber.
 15. An apparatus for monitoring a cleaning process for amedical instrument, comprising: a cleaning chamber for receiving andcleaning the instrument with a cleaning liquid; a soil detector coupledto the cleaning chamber and adapted to provide an indication of theamount of the soil on the instrument; wherein the soil detectorcomprises an electrode located in an enclosure, the enclosure is socoupled to the chamber that the cleaning liquid has controllable accessto said enclosure.
 16. An apparatus for monitoring a cleaning processfor a medical instrument, comprising: a cleaning chamber for receivingand cleaning the instrument; and at least a first soil detector and asecond soil detector adapted to provide an indication of the amount ofsoil removed from or remained on the instrument, the first and secondsoil detector being placeable in fluid communication with the cleaningchamber, wherein the first soil detector and the second soil detectordetect different types of soil.